A massive rescue operation is currently ongoing in the southern Indian state of Kerala following major landslides in the northeastern district of Wayanad. The landslides have tragically claimed the lives of at least 93 individuals and left 128 others injured, as confirmed by the state's chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Early on Tuesday morning, Wayanad was struck by two landslides, affecting approximately one thousand people. Efforts are being made to rescue those impacted, with authorities working tirelessly to ensure no stone is left unturned in the rescue operations.
Many of the victims lost their lives due to drowning, with the casualty toll not yet finalized as the situation remains fluid. The weather conditions have slightly improved, allowing for the acceleration of rescue efforts. A temporary bridge has been constructed to aid in evacuations, with the army, navy, and air force all actively participating in the emergency response.
Emergency responders have been faced with challenging conditions at the landslide site, characterized by mud and fallen trees. The army was deployed to assist in rescuing 250 individuals stranded in a village following a bridge collapse.
The national and state disaster rescue forces, along with the Kerala fire services, are all engaged in the rescue operations. So far, around 250 people have been successfully rescued.
Heavy rainfall has made the situation perilous for rescuers, complicating access to the affected areas. The adverse weather conditions have also impacted medical facilities, with hospitals receiving injured individuals gradually due to the challenging circumstances.
Widespread rainfall across Kerala has been reported, with some areas experiencing nearly 10 inches of rain. While monsoon season floods are common in the region, the climate crisis has intensified extreme weather events, making them more deadly.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the landslides in Wayanad, offering condolences to those who lost their loved ones and prayers for the injured. The Prime Minister's office announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured to support them during this difficult time.
